Call for abstracts: “Future solutions for a food secure world”

The challenges ahead to feed 9 billion people by 2050 are well articulated (and contested), but innovative solutions remain elusive and time is of the essence. One possible reason that solutions are slow to surface is the generally homogenous pool of ideas from which to draw inspiration: neoliberal and patriarchal ideologies continue to dominate the discourse on global solutions. A platform for diverse perspectives on these problems and for proposals of solutions, can identify potential solution pathways that are key to operationalizing timely strategies for a just and sustainable food future.

In this Special Issue of Solutions, young thinkers (under 40 years of age) from around the globe are invited to propose innovative solutions for a food secure world. The Special Issue will provide a platform for emerging scholars to contribute to solutions from their diverse geo-cultural and disciplinary backgrounds. Papers on any topic relating to food secure futures are welcome, including, but not limited to: agriculture, aquaculture, climate change, consumption, energy and biofuels, fisheries, indigenous food systems, labour and migration, pastoralism, and urban food systems.

The final contributions will take the form of “perspectives”: short essays (1,250-2,000 words) on new points of view from thinkers working on bold solutions. Final selection criteria will be based on a combination of quality, innovation, gender balance, and geo-cultural diversity.

Abstracts

For this initial stage we are seeking proposals for contributions in the form of abstracts that are:

250 words

Written in an engaging style

Include a clear explanation of the main idea (the proposed solution) and why it is important

Please also include a CV and short motivation letter to allow us to get to know the person behind the ideas. Papers in the Special Issue will be complemented by poems and works of art, and those interested in contributing one of these alternative submissions could also submit them for the 31 July 2015 deadline.

Timeline

Please note that there is a three-phased review process that will require contributors to peer review at least one other contribution and potentially revise their submission three times. The intention of this is to ensure we develop a space where contributors have the support to enhance and advance their contributions. Please note however that there are tight turn-around times for contributors to revise their papers on the basis of the feedback and to resubmit. Key dates are noted below.

Solutions Journal is an international print and online popular academic journal that showcases innovative fixes to environmental, political, and social issues. Solutions articles are smart and innovative, but should be understood by the ‘educated layperson’. Contributors please avoid technical jargon and “academese” in pieces. Think of The New Yorker meets Nature. If it helps, try to imagine explaining your article to the person sitting next to you on a plane – make sure you make your points in a lucid, concise and clear way that someone outside your field can understand.

Founded in 2009 by leading ecologists and thinkers Robert Costanza, along with Paul Hawken, Bill McKibben and others, Solutions currently has a readership of 150,000 with online and bimonthly print editions. Solutions is growing fast, which is evidence that readers want to know about solutions!

Dr. Jessica Duncan is a rural sociologist at Wageningen University, The Netherlands. She researches the dynamics of global food security governance with a focus on sustainability and civil society engagement.

Dr. Megan Bailey is a fisheries economist who works at the Marine Affairs Program, Dalhousie University, Canada. She focuses on understanding state and market processes that lead to improved global cooperation for fisheries governance.

These two young academics collaborate with scientists, NGOs, industry and small-scale producers throughout the world and are passionate about finding just and sustainable solutions for a food secure world.